Although
this was my first experience participating in ICRP workshop and
structured dialogue, I learned so much from meeting people of various
background --- researchers, farmers, JA staffs, teachers, mothers,
etc. --- all working on "doing whatever possible in their own
place (borrowing from the words of Ms Ando)", while struggling
with their constraints, memories, personal feelings, and other
issues. The testimonies of these courageous people were so touching
that I felt refreshed and empowered.

The
experience engraved a deep affection within my heart for Fukushima
and its people, and I look forward to coming back again and again,
visiting the hot springs and the renowned "Fruit Road" of
Date.

I
feel like I received a priceless gift from the residents of Fukushima
through the workshop. Such treasure should not be left in a jar of
clay to be wasted, so I too will do my best in this place where I am,
one step after another.

Suggestions
for future workshop

The
"structured dialogue" introduced by Jacques Lochard, seemed
to aim at deepening the understanding of each participants by
reciprocating speaking and listening, rather than presentation alone,
so that the participants may each be induced to their next step. In
order to assist this kind of interaction among the participants, I
felt that the following areas had a room for improvement in the
future.

Seating
arrangement

(Although
it might be difficult due to the design of the venue and the number
of participants) It would have been nice if the participants could
look at each other eye-to-eye during the dialogue. A dialogue is not
just made up of spoken words alone, its non-verbal information such
as facial expression and gesture also convey the message of the
speaker and therefore aid understanding.

2.
Briefing for the latecomers

(Since
the dialogue deepens from the 1st session onwards) I felt the need to
strengthen adequate follow-up to the latecomers. Especially if the
dialogue had a multi-day schedule, there is a need for a briefing
session to these participants, so they could get more flavor of what
happened the day before.

3.
Post-workshop assignment

If
the participants were requested to prepare their comments and
suggestions to ICRP workshop while their memories are fresh, these
would help enriching the next workshop. Also, giving such assignment
beforehand may help the participant to maintain pro-active engagement
in the dialogue.